Fitchburg shelter volunteer fears dog was killed

FITCHBURG — Volunteer Michael A. Ward said he just wants to know what happened to Mary — a sweet pit-bull mix that he befriended while volunteering at the now defunct Fitchburg Animal Shelter.

For weeks since three dogs at the shelter, including Mary, were taken away by Animal Control Officer Susan Kowaleski, Mr. Ward said, he has pleaded in letters to the animal control officer, Police Department and the mayor to tell him where Mary is so he can at least visit her.

"I don't want her to think I've forgotten about her," Mr. Ward said after Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

Councilors approved transferring $53,000 for the shelter's operating expenses to the Police Department, which oversees the animal control position. Another $19,000 in donations intended for animals in the city's care is still in limbo while councilors wait for more information from acting Police Chief Phil Kearns on what the money will be used for.

The shelter was abruptly shut down last month after an investigation by the state Department of Agricultural Resources into the euthanization of a dog, allegedly before its owner was properly notified. Ten dogs were transferred to other facilities by volunteers, former shelter manager Amy J. Egeland said. Three dogs — Mary, Jody and Lady — were later taken by Ms. Kowaleski, Ms. Egeland said.

"The last day I saw Mary was at the shelter," Mr. Ward said. "I was on my knees hugging her and saying goodbye. The animal control officer didn't want me to give her a hug. Amy asked where she was taking the dogs so volunteers could visit them and they would not feel forgotten about."

Mr. Ward said Ms. Kowaleski told him to put his request in writing.

"I wrote her a letter and asked, 'Please, tell me. I am afraid she was euthanized and I will never see her again,' " he said. "She never replied."

He then wrote the Police Department and the mayor. That was weeks ago, he said.

Ms. Kowaleski did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Ms. Egeland, who was officially laid off June 27 from the post, said the 24 volunteers at the shelter deserve closure on the conditions of the dogs they helped care for. Ms. Kowaleski will not return her calls requesting information on the dogs' whereabouts and health, she said.

Additionally, Ms. Egeland said, she is concerned about damage done to the kennels the city leased from Carol Stacy, who was Fitchburg's animal control officer from 1976 to 1996.

Contact Paula Owen at powen@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @PaulaOwenTG

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